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Box Tree Moth

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Box tree moth is an invasive pest that can significantly damage and potentially kill

boxwood (Buxus species) plants if left unchecked. The caterpillars are ravenous

feeders, and heavy infestations can completely defoliate host plants. After the

leaves are gone, they feed on the bark which eventually kills the plant. Boxwoods

are a popular ornamental evergreen shrub common to many landscape

environments in the United States.
The moth is native to East Asia and has become a prolific pest in Europe. In 2021,

APHIS confirmed box tree moth in New York, and since then it has been confirmed in

Michigan and Ohio. The moths are highly mobile and good fliers.

What To Look For

The box tree moth can ravage plant life. Here's what to look for:

Appearance

A box tree moth starts out as a lime-green caterpillar, with black stripes,

white spots, hairs, and a shiny black head. Adult box tree moths generally

have white wings with a thick brown border.

Brown leaves and defoliation

Missing sections of leaves or skeletonized leaves

Caterpillars and webbing

Young caterpillars hide among twigs and leaves, which can grow up to 1.5

inches.

Frass

Sawdust-like excrement from insects

Pupa

May be wrapped in webbing

Adult moths

They're difficult to spot, as they're most active at night.

View signs and symptoms of box tree moth in our photo gallery.

How To Prevent This Pest

Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for information on pest

management tools or locate an Extension specialist near you.

Allow State or Federal agricultural officials to inspect your boxwood plants and

place detection traps.

Remove infested boxwood plant branches. For heavy infestations, cut the

boxwood from its base. (Your plant should grow back from its roots.) All

boxwood debris should be double bagged in plastic and placed in the trash.
How It Is Treated

Property owners are encouraged to monitor their boxwoods and report any damage.

Contact your local Extension office for treatment options.

Nursery owners should monitor their boxwoods and implement safeguards to limit

their pest risk.

Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.

Find your State plant regulatory official

Find your State plant health director

Controlling Box Tree Moths

APHIS' Response

APHIS works closely with State departments of agriculture where the pest has been

found. They restrict boxwood movement, monitor the infestation’s boundaries,

engage stakeholders, and conduct outreach.

U.S. Response to Box Tree Moth Detection in Michigan in 2022:

APHIS Establishes a Quarantine for Box Tree Moth in Michigan (May 2023)

APHIS Expands the Quarantine for Box Tree Moth in Michigan (October

2023)

U.S. Response to Box Tree Moth Detection in New York in 2021 (March 2022)

U.S. Response to Finding Box Tree Moths in Boxwood Plant Shipment (May

2021)

Cooperator Information

New Pest Response Guidelines: Box Tree Moth

Insecticide Options for Box Tree Moth Management

Spread the Word
Pest Alert: Box Tree Moth

New York Residents: Check Your Boxwoods for the Box Tree Moth!

Reports and Assessments

View All Final Environmental Documents

Contact Us

Allen Proxmire

National Policy Manager

Email: allen.proxmire@usda.gov